Jackson Dancer Finalist for Rockettes

By
Mallory Cooke
By
mcooke@wbbjtv.com

JACKSON, Tenn.--A dancer from Jackson is a finalist for the Rockettes. If selected, she could dance in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

“It hasn't even hit me yet really because the audition was such a blur,” said Caroline Purcell, 18. “It was kind of like it all went by so fast. It took forever, but it went by so fast at the same time.”

Purcell’s dream could soon become reality. “I’ve always watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and ever since I was little, I've always wanted to be a Rockette,” she said.

Purcell tried out for the Rockettes last week in New York City. Her mom snapped pictures outside the Radio City Music Hall where she competed against dancers from across the country.

“There were 445 girls who auditioned and 12 finalists in the very end,” said Purcell.

After two days of tryouts, Purcell got good news. She made the cut. “It's incredible,” she said. “I don't really know how to feel about it. I'm just kind of like I don't understand.”

Purcell’s mom, Jacqueline, screamed when she found out her daughter was a finalist. “Her dance teacher told me one time when Caroline steps on the stage that's where your eyes go,” said Jacqueline Purcell. “You watch her and I think that's true.”

Purcell started dancing at age 4. She still loves being on stage 14 years later. “I just feel so blessed to even be this far in my life,” she said.